Overview & Reviews

If you're thinking about purchasing a vehicle rugged enough to finesse rocky trails, chances are, one make comes to mind: Jeep. This specialty automotive manufacturer has a long history of producing trucks and SUVs capable of off-highway adventures — so much so that the term jeep is used by many to refer to all SUVs, whether the vehicle in question is a true Jeep or not.

Jeep took root in WWII as the name of the now-iconic four-wheel-drive military vehicle produced by Willys-Overland and Ford for the U.S. Army. The name's origin is somewhat of a mystery; popular belief is that it morphed from "GP," or "general purpose," though others have suggested that it was a nickname derived from a character featured in the Popeye comic strip of the time.

The mid-1940s saw the introduction of the first civilian Jeep, the CJ-2A. It offered many features not available on military versions, such as a tailgate, an external fuel cap and a side-mounted spare tire, and was targeted mainly toward farmers and construction workers.

Civilian Jeeps caught on with the public, and by the 1950s, new models such as the CJ-3B and the CJ-5 had been introduced. The CJ-5 had the longest production run of any Jeep vehicle, continuing for 30 years after its introduction in the early '50s. The company changed owners during this decade as Willys-Overland was sold to Kaiser in 1953.

Jeep broke new ground in the 1960s with the debut of its Wagoneer. Geared toward active families, this early SUV was the first four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission. A new "Dauntless" V6 became available as an option on the CJ-5 and CJ-6 in 1965. This was the first time that a Jeep CJ could be equipped with a V6. Packing 155 horses, the engine's horsepower almost doubled that offered by the standard four-cylinder.

By the 1970s, Jeep had changed ownership yet again, with the purchase of Kaiser-Jeep by American Motors Corporation. New models like the CJ-7 and the Scrambler were rolled out. Additionally, the company unveiled some new technology with the introduction of the world's first automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system. Dubbed Quadra-Trac, it was available in the CJ-7 as well as in full-size Jeep trucks and wagons. During this decade, Jeep's fortunes soared as four-wheel-drive vehicles became increasingly popular with large sections of American buyers.

The 1980s saw the introduction of the Cherokee and Wrangler. The Cherokee was one of the first of the new breed of SUVs — high-riding midsize wagons that skyrocketed in popularity as the decade progressed. The Wrangler replaced the CJ series in 1987 and offered the raw functionality of the CJ along with more comfort features. That year also saw the purchase of American Motors by Chrysler, with the Jeep brand becoming part of Chrysler's Jeep/Eagle division. One of Jeep's most popular models, the Grand Cherokee, debuted for 1993. This handsome, midsize SUV offered considerably more comfort and luxury than the smaller Cherokee while still providing stout off-road capability.

Jeep fell under the umbrella of DaimlerChrysler after Chrysler and Daimler-Benz merged in 1998. This partnership resulted in a few new models, such as the Liberty and Compass, though none were able to attain great sales success. In 2007, Daimler sold the Chrysler Group to a private equity firm. It is now under control of Fiat.

More recently, the company has added a couple of enticing models to its lineup (including a four-door version of the Wrangler and the pavement-scorching Grand Cherokee SRT8) and made substantial performance and quality improvements under the hoods and within the cabins. As such, we expect Jeep will not only maintain a loyal group of customers but will also bring new fans into the fold.

User Reviews:

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  Fun and Comfortable - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By mgbhunk - August 31 - 12:58 am

  Got my 4 door wrangler 3 mos. ago with the altitude package (blacked out trim). I get compliments everywhere on how cool it is. Manual trans shifts smooth and precise and makes the car extremely fun to drive. Gas mileage on highway can be 26 if I set the cruise @ 60; 16-19 in the city. Leather seats are very comfortable; ride is great; car is quieter than I thought it would be. dual top option gives you a nicer soft top. Radio/nav/Bluetooth controls are very intuitive. Dealer gave me a great price, so it made no sense to buy a used one.

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  I LOVE MY 2016 PATRIOT - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By moondoggie - August 30 - 10:26 am

  Do understand the bad reviews...I had a RAVE4...which was an excellent car...NO REPAIRS AT ALL after 11years. But the Patriot blows it away in comfort, space, and quality of interior. The top of doors are padded, the dosh controls are easiest to navigate of ANY vehicle I ever had. The dash board is flat and hold a cell phone holder easily without blocking vision. There is an actual SHELF in it as well ...for a GPS, tablet, kleenex, sunglasses, etc.This is my first Jeep also. There is alot of head and leg-room, even for my 6" husband. I have the High Altitude Pkg...I love the leather seats and interior . I have a Mastiff and the hair doesnt stick at all. He has PLENTY of room in the back seat. There are 3 ports for charging things, there is an actual PLUG..like in your house, for shaver, coffee warmer, night-light or whatever! It is NOT the fastest thing ..nothing like my Camaro. But it isnt that kind of car. Its for kids, dogs, baggage, toys and activities. Who wants a race car for that? It handles the road , water, ice and snow GREAT...it has front drive. The 430 Sirius radio is excellent too. The gear shifter itself could be smoother...but who cares? It has a VERY smooth ride....turns, stears and breaks fabulously. It has more storage space and little cubbies for stuff all over the place. NO OTHER suv I tried had any. That is very important when your a woman...lots of things you need at hand. As far as the engine reviews, I dont know much about that. The gas mileage is good. The comfort of the seats cant be beat. The driver seat raises...I sit about 4-5" higher than the passenger seat...so I have great vision as well. Just thought I would mention these things...The patriot seems to get an undeseved bas wrap! If you want a COMFORTABL versital vehicle ...and you spend alot of time driving...you will love the Patriot!

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  WOW!!!! - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tts - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This thing moves out- I came from a cadillac eldo with northstar engine and I thought that moved out..Muffler noise is excessive but handling is smooth and going over bumps is fantastic for an SUV. No rattling noises, no squeeks. I test drove the Envoy, Trailblazer, Explorer, Yukon, Sequoia, 4runner, and the Mercedes Benz 320 & 420. I liked the Mercedes the best but for the money You cant beat the jeep!!!

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  Love at First Drive - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Dee - August 29 - 6:43 am

  An SUV with all the needs. I love it. Better than a Wrangler because its not only providing the ruggedness in performance and in looks it can also be souped up with some classy features. it rides pretty smooth for a Jeep that can perform on some extreme trails.

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  WOW What A Ride.. and SAFE - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Bette - August 28 - 2:23 am

  Had a 1999 Jeep Sahara. When I traded it in, only had 1170 miles (no typo error). Had a great fear of driving except for dirt roads. Got the Commander 2 weeks ago and havent stopped driving since. I feel so safe in this car. I thought the fear was all in my head, never thinking I didnt feel safe in the car. I love driving again and all fear is gone.

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  GRAAAAAAND Cherokee - 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jay - August 24 - 5:15 pm

  Oh YES!!! SUCH a great value if you like Range Rovers and such. If you like the Mercedes ML350 you will LOVE the Grand Cherokee! Drive one, buy one!

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  GRAAAAAAND Cherokee - 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jay - August 24 - 5:15 pm

  Oh YES!!! SUCH a great value if you like Range Rovers and such. If you like the Mercedes ML350 you will LOVE the Grand Cherokee! Drive one, buy one!

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  Quite Happy with Our Surprise Purchase - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Happy in Western PA - August 23 - 2:00 am

  My then finace (now husband) suggested we test drive a Jeep Liberty. I had been shopping around for a Ford Escape for the past 2 weeks. We traded in our Pathfinder that day! Believe it or not, we get between 20-21 MPG on the highway. Cruise control contributes to this. City, well, anywhere between 10 and 15MPG. Even though this vehicle has less cargo volume than the 95 Pathfinder, because its taller, we have been able to haul more than we ever could with the 95 Pathfinder. And 4WD has come in handy this season as weve been getting hit with snow storms here.

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  TOUGH LITTLE TRUCK - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By TRAVELING SALESMAN - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE OCT 1, 2002 AND SO FAR HAVE RACKED UP 7500 TROUBLE FREE MILES ON THE ODOMETER. EVERYTING ON THIS VEHICLE WORKS WELL. I TRAVEL TO THROUGH THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS OF NEW MEXCIO, COLORADO AND UTAH ON A REGULAR BASIS AND HAVENT COME CLOSE YET TO GETTING STUCK. THE ENGINEERS AT JEEP DID THEIR HOMEWORK WHEN THEY DESIGNED THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE OWNED FORD EXPLORERS AND TOYOTA 4 RUNNERS AND THIS VEHCILE DEFINITELY PROVIDES THE BEST VALUE FOR THE BUCK. I DEFINITELY RECOMEND THIS VEHICLE.

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  Love it! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By cyclone2164 - August 23 - 1:40 am

  My wife & I just returned an 06 Pacific and picked up a black Liberty Sport w/ the Sky-Slider roof. I have an 06 Liberty and the difference is incredible! The ride is much more car- like and the interior is a bit a lot more comfortable. Love the interior spare tire too and the cargo compartment under the read deck. My wife has been driving it now for the past few days and shes had the roof open every time that Ive seen her. For the extra $1200, get the sky- Slider!